ALTHOUGH it may have been a little overshadowed by the release of the Sustainable Growth Commission’s report, The Gathering in Stirling at the weekend Sunday may well prove to have been a key moment in the development of the Yes DIY movement.

For hundreds of people to spend a Sunday debating Scotland’s future showed that Yes groups can come together and share ideas and discuss topics and tactics to move the cause forward.

According to one attendee: “This was not party political nor led by any other organisations, but was a true representation of the grassroots Yes movement. This milestone has launched a summer of positive political debate.”

Martin Laird of Yes Orkney, who commented: “We aren’t waiting for the politicians to make a better future, we’re building it ourselves.”

Heather Ross of Yes Rutherglen added: “Being among like-minded individuals with the drive and skills to get things done is always invigorating, but what has been accomplished is a remarkable feat. The active campaigners of the grassroots have now progressed into being a legitimate, commanding force in our own right.”

Jason Baird, co-organiser for the National Yes Registry, said: “You put strangers together for an hour and they create a country. We couldn’t be happier with the way the day went. Spending a whole day surrounded by such positivity, capability and willingness to work together was utterly refreshing.”